NASA International Space Station On-Orbit Status 24 September 2015

The Expedition 45 crew, including the One-Year Crew duo, worked on a variety of human research to help future crews persevere on longer missions in deep space. The crew is also getting ready for a pair of international cargo ships departing and arriving next week.
Scientists on the ground are exploring how microgravity affects humans living and working in space as NASA prepares for the Journey to Mars. Astronauts living on the International Space Station for months at a time, including the One-Year Crew, provide excellent subjects for long-term microgravity human research.

The crew today looked at cardiovascular health for the Cardio-Ox study and documented nutritional activity. Blood and urine samples were also drawn and stored in a science freezer for later analysis. Station Commander Scott Kelly continued more Twins research as doctors compare the human body in space with a human body on Earth, in this case ex-astronaut Mark Kelly, the commander’s twin brother.

Japan’s “Kounotori” HTV-5 space freighter is due for release Monday morning ending its month-long stay at the station’s Harmony module. The HTV-5 is still being packed with trash and disposable gear for a fiery destruction over the Pacific Ocean. The next shipment of new research, gear, food and fuel is being prepared as Russia’s readies its ISS Progress 61 resupply ship for an Oct. 1 launch.

On-Orbit Status Report

Twins Study Influenza Vaccine and Sample Collection: Kelly self-administered an influenza vaccine and collected Flight Day 180 blood and urine samples today in support of the Twins Study. This investigation is an integrated compilation of ten different studies led by multiple investigators. The studies take advantage of a unique opportunity to look at the effects of space travel on identical twins, with one of them experiencing space travel for a year while the other remains earth-bound for that same year. The study looks at changes in the human body in the fields of genetics, psychology, physiology, microbiology, and immunology.

Cognition: Yui and Lindgren performed their Flight Day 65 sessions of the Cognition experiment today. Individualized Real-Time Neurocognitive Assessment Toolkit for Space Flight Fatigue (Cognition) is a battery of tests that measure how spaceflight-related physical changes, such as microgravity and lack of sleep, can affect cognitive performance. Cognition includes ten brief computerized tests that cover a wide range of cognitive functions, and provides immediate feedback on current and past test results. The software allows for real-time measurement of cognitive performance while in space.

Journals: Kelly completed a Journal activity today. Journals obtains information on behavioral and human issues that are relevant to the design of equipment and procedures and sustained human performance during extended-duration missions. Study results provide information to help prepare for future missions to low-Earth orbit and beyond.

Cardio Ox: Kelly and Lindgren, with assistance from Yui, collected blood pressure and ultrasound measurements of their carotid and brachial arteries. The objective of Cardio Ox is to determine whether biological markers of oxidative and inflammatory stress are elevated during and after space flight and whether this results in an increased, long-term risk of atherosclerosis in astronauts. Twelve crewmembers will provide blood and urine samples to assess biomarkers before launch, 15 and 60 days after launch, 15 days before returning to Earth, and within days after landing. Ultrasound scans are obtained at the same time points and through 5 years after landing.

Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) Airlock (JEMAL) Pressurization and Leak Check: In preparation for Lindgren’s removal of the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (JSSOD) from the JEMAL Slide Table tomorrow, today Yui pressurized the JEMAL and performed a leak check.

Sound Level Measurements in the Mouse Habitat Unit (MHU): Yui installed the MHU Interface Unit in the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) and then took sound level measurements inside the Interface Unit with a sound level meter. These measurements will provide an indication of the sound levels that mice in the MHU will be exposed to during JAXA’s Mouse Epigenetics experiment, which will be performed after the mice arrive on a visiting vehicle in the future.

Galley Rack Secure: Today, Lindgren installed a Knee Brace Assembly at the NOD1P4 location in order to permanently secure the Galley Rack. Due to structural interference, the Galley Rack was temporarily secured last week on September 15th. Hardware needed for Galley Rack activation is scheduled to arrive on a later flight. Once in operation, the Galley Rack will provide ISS Crews with a consolidated location for a potable water dispenser, two freezers, two food warmers, and a 16 port Ethernet switch.

United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) Hatch Seal Inspections: Kelly cleaned and inspected USOS Hatch Seals, Hatch Plate Sealing Surfaces, and Hatch Handle Mechanisms. Hatches targeted for today’s inspection included the Airlock, Node 3 (Nadir, Forward, Starboard) JLP, JPM (Starboard, Zenith), and PMM.

Robot Micro Conical Tool (RMCT) Troubleshooting: Last night, the Robotics Ground Controllers powered up the Mobile Servicing System (MSS) and Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) to perform RMCT checkouts. These operations, which will continue later this evening, are being performed to help determine if the RMCT1 torque anomaly seen earlier this year is in any way related to it being stowed on SPDM Tool Holder Assembly (THA)-1.

Today’s Planned Activities
All activities were completed unless otherwise noted.

HRF – Urine Samples Collection
TWIN – Urine Samples Collection
Biochemical Urine Test
HRF – Insertion of Samples in MELFI
URISIS Hardware Restow
HRF – Blood Samples Collection
HRF – Assistance during Blood Samples Collection
HRF – Refrigerated Centrifuge Config
Soyuz 718 Samsung Tablet Charge
Kazbek Fit Check (Soyuz 717)
JEMAL – Pressurization
HRF – Closeout Ops after Blood Samples Collection
Water Recovery System (WRS): WPA Waste Water Tank Offload into CWC (start)
HRF – Insertion of Samples in MELFI
Soyuz 717 Samsung Tablet Charge
ISS Crew and SSIPC Conference
On Mcc Go Brine Transfer from a USOS EDV into Rodnik ??1 Water Tank of Progress 428
JEMAL – Leak Check after Pressurization
UDOD. Experiment Session with DYKHANIE-1 and SPRUT-2 Kits.
USND2 – Hardware Activation
Water Recovery System (WRS): WPA Waste Water Tank Offload into CWC
Crew Medical Officer (CMO) Computer Based Training (CBT)
In Flight Maintenance (IFM) Galley Rack Securing
CARDOX – Prep Ops and Hardware Setup
CARDOX – Ultrasound Scanning
UDOD. Photography during Experiment Session
??? Maitnenance
CARDOX – Ultrasound Scanning (Assistance)
HMS – Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)
CARDOX – Measurements
Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) WSTA Fill
CARDOX – Post-Measurement Operations
XF305 Camcorder Setup
HRF – Urine Samples Collection
Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF). Mouse Habitat Unit (MHU) Installation
Crew Prep for PAO
HRF – Insertion of Samples in MELFI
CBEF – Sound Level Measurement
?-? TV. One-year Crew PAO
CARDOX – Prep Ops and Hardware Setup
CARDOX – Ultrasound Scanning
CBEF – Micro-G Door Close
????1 and ????2 Dust Filters Changeout (???1???_4_419_1, bag 428-25 (00067328R). Update IMS) and MRM1 Gas Liquid Heat Exchanger (???) Cleaning
[??]-50-1? No. 6 and 8 (?206, ?208) R&R Prep – Search for Hardware, Radiogram Review.
CARDOX – Measurements
CBEF – Micro-G Door Open
AC Inverter Deploy to Lab UOP5
CBEF – Sound Level Measurement
CBEF – Micro-G Door Close
Laptop Prep and [ACH-K] and Progress 428 (DC1) Tests Setup
??-1 Sensors Installation Monitoring
VELIKOE NACHALO (GREAT START). Experiment Prep
VELIKOE NACHALO (GREAT START). Video Footage of the Experiment Ops
JRNL – Journal Entry
HMS – Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ)
MERLIN Desiccant Kit R&R
Hatch Seal Inspection
HRF – Urine Samples Collection
CBEF – Micro-G Door Open
HRF – Insertion of Samples in MELFI
CBEF – Sound Level Measurement
USND2 – Hardware Deactivation
CBEF – Micro-G Door Close
CBEF – Micro-G Door Open
CBEF – Sound Level Measurement
VELIKOE NACHALO (GREAT START). Closeout Ops
CBEF – Micro-G Door Close
SLM – Hardware Transfer for Future Use
Hardware Setup for PAO
High Definition Video Camera Assembly (HD-VCA) Camera Foot Adjustment
MRM1 Ventilation Grills Cleaning (Group B)
Life on the Station Photo/Video
Soyuz 717 Samsung Tablet Charge
Air Heater Fan ??? Grill Cleaning in Soyuz 717
VZAIMODEISTVIYE-2. Experiment Session
IMS Delta File Prep
RESERV. Test TV session from the SM to ??? Orion Ground Site 21 (quality evaluation) and ???1 check from SM Ground Site 21 (quality evaluation) To=17:44.
TWIN – Vaccination
HRF – Urine Samples Collection
Soyuz 718 Samsung Tablet Charge (end) / Reference Materials (?????????? ?????????) item 15.6 step 3 pages 132,133
HRF – Insertion of Samples in MELFI
COGN – Experiment Session and Questionnaire
Video Footage of Greetings
Preparation of reports for Roscosmos website

Completed Task List Items

LAB1OP5 LHA R&R
P/TV consumables audit
58mm lens troubleshooting
Wet/dry vacuum mod
Air quality survey

Ground Activities
All activities are on schedule unless otherwise noted.

Battery Capacity Test on Set 3A3
RMCT Swap

Three-Day Look Ahead:
Friday, 09/25: HTV GLA/LED Light Removal, HTV Departure OBT, Cell Biology Experiment
Saturday, 09/26: Weekly Cleaning, Crew Off Duty
Sunday, 09/27: HTV-5 Hatch Closure, HTV-5 -Vestibule Demate, CPA Install

QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:

Component – Status
Elektron – On
Vozdukh – Manual
[???] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) – On
[???] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) – Off
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab – Standby
Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 – Operate
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab – Shutdown
Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 – Operate
Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) – Process
Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) – Standby
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab – Off
Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 – Full Up